San Rafael police say an automated plate reader flagged a stolen Subaru Monday; officers recovered a loaded handgun and booked the driver on multiple felonies.

A cluster of small quakes rattled San Jose and the South Bay Tuesday night. Experts explain what swarms mean and how to report shaking.

Martinez will celebrate this Saturday with a downtown parade, a Martinez Sturgeon game, a Fun Fest at the waterfront and a fireworks finale at about 9:30 p.m. Expect limited marina parking and family activities.

Alameda’s 3.3-mile July 4 parade returns Saturday with Rep. Lateefah Simon as honorary grand marshal and tributes to the Alameda Fire Department’s 150 years. Expect a 5K, shuttles and major closures.

Stripe and Visa are among more than 100 firms backing Open USD, a dollar‑pegged stablecoin from the Open Standard coalition. The move aims to bake programmable dollars into card, treasury and on‑chain flows.

A former Bayhill High music teacher was sentenced to nearly seven years and must register as a sex offender after charges involving a student.

A developer pitched a data center at Calistoga’s 70‑acre fairgrounds. Residents packed a meeting to blast the idea.

An active structure fire on Marine Road off Skyline Boulevard drew fire and sheriff’s crews; officials said no evacuations are in effect but warned drivers to avoid the area.

San Francisco firefighters pulled one adult and two dogs from a one‑alarm blaze in the Mission District; crews remain on scene as paramedics treat those rescued.

The Forest Service will gather about 450 Montgomery Pass horses beginning July 8 to protect Mono Lake wetlands, reigniting tribal and legal fights over the herd.

Cool mornings and gusty southwest winds keep the coast chilly; a Beach Hazards Statement warns of sneaker waves through 5 AM PDT Wednesday.

A one‑alarm blaze burned at a multi‑story church at California and Broderick in San Francisco. No injuries were reported and crews remain on scene.

Councilwoman Cecilia Taylor won’t seek another term, leaving the Belle Haven seat vacant and District 1 without a candidate. Four people have filed to run for three council seats so far.